A colossal explosion Saturday at a port in southern Iran, associated with a missile propellant shipment, claimed at least five lives and injured more than 700 people.



What Happened: According to an Associated Press <a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-explosion-fire-bandar-abbas-72637c6b3e152a30045275f57ace29ed">report</a>, the blast took place at the Shahid Rajaei port near the city of Bandar Abbas. In March, the port had received a shipment of sodium perchlorate rocket fuel, a chemical commonly used in missile propellants. The explosion coincided with the third round of talks between Iran and the United States concerning Tehran&#8217;s progressing nuclear program.



Iranian authorities, while initially vague about the cause of the explosion, dismissed any links to the country&#8217;s oil industry. Ambrey, a private security firm, posited that the explosion was likely a result of mishandling the rocket fuel shipment, intended for Iranian ballistic missiles.



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/04/45018923/farmers-wonder-what-trump-meant-in-his-our-farmers-are-great-truth-social-post-youre-already-putting-more-th" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmers Wonder What Trump Meant In His &#8216;Our Farmers Are Great&#8217; Truth Social Post—&#8217;You&#8217;re Already Putting More Thought Into It Than He Did&#8217;</a>



Despite the blast&#8217;s close proximity to the missile fuel shipment, Iran has not admitted to receiving&nbsp;the shipment. The Iranian mission&nbsp;to the United Nations has remained silent on requests for comment.



The Shahid Rajaei port, which was the target of a&nbsp;2020 cyberattack attributed to Israel, is currently under investigation by the Iranian Interior Ministry to determine the cause of the blast.



Why It Matters: This explosion, linked to a missile propellant shipment, raises serious concerns about the safety protocols in place at the Shahid Rajaei port.



The incident also comes at a critical time, amidst ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran&#8217;s nuclear program. The lack of acknowledgment from Iran regarding the receipt of the missile fuel shipment further complicates the situation, potentially straining the already tense relations between the two nations.



The investigation by the Iranian Interior Ministry will be crucial in shedding light on the cause of the explosion and its potential implications.



Image: Shutterstock/Hamara

News

Deadly Blast at Iranian Port Tied to Missile Fuel Shipment: 5 Dead, More Than 700 Injured

Forget about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44988897/china-trade-war-4-big-brand-stocks-that-will-suffer-most">trade wars</a> and inflation. One actor of the US economy is doing great, with stocks up 2.5% even before this week&#8217;s <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44988781/wall-street-rally-extends-into-third-day-whats-driving-markets-thursday">rally</a>.



Schwab analysts even issued a collective &#8220;buy&#8221; call on these stocks, citing value and stability in the sector.



&#8220;Some (financial) segments benefited from rising interest rates, which allow banks to lend at higher rates and insurance companies to increase returns on collected policyholder premiums,&#8221; Schwab said in a new research note. &#8220;The economy has proven to be relatively resilient in the face of one of the most aggressive tightening cycles in history.&#8221;



On the risk side, company analysts cite trade wars and reduced consumer spending as issues that could hold back bank stocks. &#8220;If sweeping tariffs kick in and slow growth materially, financials could struggle as consumers pull back on spending, businesses reduce investment, and lending slows,&#8221; Schwab noted.



Other Wall Street watchers agree, adding that some banking sectors are looking better than others at the moment.



&#8220;Bank stocks have been relatively mixed, large-cap U.S. banks have held up better than smaller regional banks, which remain under pressure from credit tightening, CRE (commercial real estate) exposure, and flattened yield curves,&#8221; said Fabio Ruggeri, founder and CEO of MenthorQ, a trading technology company in Miami, Fla. &#8220;While the big banks benefit from scale, trading revenue, and global exposure, the regional banks are still digesting the fallout from last year&#8217;s rate shocks and deposit flight.&#8221;



Short-term Federal Reserve actions, along with significant industry risks that could split the sector, are also in play.



&#8220;If the Fed pivots later in the year and the yield curve begins to normalize, net interest margins could improve,&#8221; Ruggeri said. &#8220;But risks tied to CRE, credit quality, and deposit competition are still in play. Investors should expect continued bifurcation. Stronger names will pull away from the weaker ones.&#8221;



Here are the three best stocks to buy in this outperforming sector.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Three Bank Stocks to Play Right Now</h2>



With talk of tariffs and trade wars watering down the markets right now and multiple risk factors (and opportunities) on the table, which bank stocks make the most sense right now? Here&#8217;s a sector snapshot.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">US Bancorp&nbsp;</h2>



The fifth-largest bank in the country, US Bank (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>), saw its shares fall in 2025, down 20.1% year-to-date. Yet sector analysts are buzzing over the banking giant&#8217;s Q1 earnings beat, with multiple analysts backing the stock. On April 17, Barclays revised its price target for USB from $56 to $61 and maintained an &#8220;Outperform&#8221; on the stock. Noting that Q1 had beaten expectations, Barclays said USB impressed with more substantial fee income, more robust net interest income, and a better grip on expenses.



&#8220;I do like U.S. Bank right now,&#8221; said David Capablanca, a veteran trader and founder and host of the Friendly Bear Podcast. &#8220;Like many of the major banks have had a pullback, it&#8217;s an opportunity to dip buy. And you don&#8217;t just buy all at once &#8211; plan to scale in over three to six months, average in once a month.&#8221;



Consequently, if the stock is going lower, you&#8217;re averaging in, and if it&#8217;s consolidating and rising higher, you&#8217;re still gradually getting into a good position in USB stock. &#8220;It&#8217;s a very low-risk strategy to average into a safe, big-name bank stock,&#8221; Capablanca added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Morgan Stanley</h2>



Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>) is another big bank stock that has been trending downward but appears to be in bounce-back mode.



Like other big banks, Morgan Stanley has been recording significant gains in trading revenue lately. Its trading desk works closely with large institutional investors to manage portfolio risk and look for opportunities before and during this year&#8217;s tariff skirmishes. All in all, Morgan Stanley said its trading revenues were up 45% in Q1.



&#8220;Morgan relies less on traditional banking and focuses more on affluent wealth and investment exposure, which usually leads to diversified earnings,&#8221; Ruggeri said. Toss into the mix a healthy dividend of 3.39% in mid-April, and Morgan Stanley seems like another bank stock loaded with opportunity right now.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">JPMorgan Chase</h2>



JPMorgan (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>) shares are performing better than their sector competitors but are still down 3.2% so far in 2025. However, they are up 27% over the last year and have a strong history of stable management and reliable share performance.



&#8220;JPM is the gold standard of large U.S. banks,&#8221; Ruggeri said. &#8220;It has a strong balance sheet, diversified revenue, and deposit resilience.&#8221;



Other market experts agree.



&#8220;JPMorgan Chase continues to stand out — not just as a big bank, but as a highly disciplined and forward-thinking institution,&#8221; said Christopher Migliaccio, founder at Warren and Migliaccio, LLC, a law firm that handles asset management issues for its clients.



JPM&#8217;s most recent quarterly earnings showed the investment banking behemoth easily beat analyst expectations while boosting guidance on consolidated net interest income by $500 million, a metric that banking industry analysts have historically cited as key to overall future earnings.



USB is on board with JPM, hiking its price target from $277 to $305, citing higher Q1 earnings, larger trading revenues (for the same reasons as Morgan Stanley), and a strong dividend yield (2.41%).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Takeaway On Bank Stocks</h2>



Capablanca offers specific advice for regular investors seeking opportunities in the banking sector.



&#8220;Just don&#8217;t go for the higher-risk banks,&#8221; he advised. &#8220;Stick with the big ones, like Bank of America, U.S. Bank, Schwab, and JPMorgan. The big ones are the safest bets out there.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Matt Maley Alerts Inner Circle Before TV Appearances</h2>



While millions watch Matt discuss tariffs on Bloomberg, CNBC, and more — only his Inner Circle members receive his specific trade recommendations. Get Behind the Scenes Access <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/7-day-free-trial-matt-maley-inner-circle/?el=ResearchDaily&amp;he={{email}}&amp;adt_ei={{email}}&amp;utm_adType=SponsorAd&amp;utm_ad=RD0425&amp;utm_campaign=7daytrial">HERE</a>



Editorial content from our Expert contributors is intended to be information for the general public and not individualized investment advice. Editors/contributors are presenting their individual opinions and strategies, which are neither expressly nor impliedly approved or endorsed by Benzinga.



Photo: Shutterstock

Opinion

Trading Ideas

3 Stocks To Consider In This Outperforming Sector

Sen.&nbsp;Elizabeth Warren&nbsp;(D-Mass.) requested answers from&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) CEO&nbsp;Tim Cook, citing a&nbsp;pattern of &#8220;influence-peddling&#8221;&nbsp;between the&nbsp;iPhone-maker and the&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;administration over the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44970168/elizabeth-warren-slams-tim-cook-over-alleged-backdoor-deal-with-trump-to-shield-apple-from-crushing-china-tariffs-creates-the-appearance-of-impropriety" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trade negotiations with China</a>.



Amid escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, tech bull&nbsp;Dan Ives thinks the time is &#8220;ticking&#8221; for trade deals as Wall Street reels from the aftermath of a tug-of-war <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44891715/tech-bull-says-time-ticking-for-trade-deals-as-earnings-season-gathers-steam-calls-nvidias-china-disclosure-a-game-of-who-blinks-first" rel="noreferrer noopener">between the world&#8217;s top two economies</a>.



Earnings



STMicroelectronics N.V.&#8216; (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STM#NYSE">STM</a>) first-quarter FY25 net revenues of $2.52 billion represented a 27.3% year-over-year decline, beating the&nbsp;analyst consensus estimate of $2.51 billion. EPS of $0.06&nbsp;beat&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44978860/stmicro-calls-out-bottom-in-q1-forecasts-q2-rebound-focusing-on-cost-cuts" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyst consensus estimate&nbsp;of $0.04</a>.



Alphabet Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) reported first-quarter revenue of $90.23 billion, up 12% year-over-year, beating a Street consensus estimate of $89.2 billion and EPS of $2.81, beating a Street <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44995955/alphabet-q1-earnings-highlights-google-search-youtube-cloud-show-robust-momentum" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus estimate of $2.01</a>.



T-Mobile (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) reported first-quarter EPS of&nbsp;$2.58, which beat the analyst consensus estimate of&nbsp;$2.44, and revenue of&nbsp;$20.89 billion, beating the analyst <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44995935/t-mobile-shares-drop-despite-better-than-expected-q1-report-details" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus estimate of&nbsp;$20.62 billion</a>.



VinFast Auto (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VFS#NASDAQ">VFS</a>) reported&nbsp;quarterly&nbsp;earnings per share of 54 cents loss, missing the street view&nbsp;of 23 cents loss and, revenues of $677.89 million missed the&nbsp;analyst <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44989420/vinfast-auto-maintains-ev-delivery-outlook-amid-macro-uncertainty-despite-q4-margin-drag" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus estimate of $859.08 million</a>.



International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.60 per share, which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.40 and revenue of $14.54 billion beat the analyst <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44966124/ibm-shares-slide-despite-better-than-expected-q1-details" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus estimate of $14.4 billion</a>.



Texas Instruments Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXN#NASDAQ">TXN</a>) reported first-quarter revenue of&nbsp;$4.07 billion, versus&nbsp;estimates&nbsp;of $3.91 billion, and EPS of&nbsp;$1.28, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44966804/texas-instruments-q1-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-strong-guidance-prepared-to-navigate-the-evolving-supply-chain-dynamics" rel="noreferrer noopener">versus estimates of $1.07</a>.



Lam Research (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>) reported quarterly earnings of&nbsp;$1.04&nbsp;per share, which beat the analyst consensus estimate of&nbsp;98 cents, and, revenue of $4.72 billion,&nbsp;which beat the analyst <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44965339/lam-research-stock-climbs-after-strong-q3-results-q4-guidance-above-estimates" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus estimate of&nbsp;$4.59 billion</a>.



Check Point Software Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHKP#NASDAQ">CHKP</a>) reported quarterly revenue growth of 7% year over year to $637.8 million, topping the&nbsp;analyst consensus estimate of $636.2 million and adjusted EPS of $2.21, beat the&nbsp;analyst <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44962682/check-point-q1-earnings-revenue-beats-expectations-ceo-highlights-strong-demand-for-quantum-force-and-ai-platform" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus estimate of $2.19.</a>



AT&amp;T Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/T#NYSE">T</a>) reported operating revenues of $30.63 billion beating the&nbsp;analyst consensus estimate of $30.35 billion and adjusted EPS of $0.51 also beat&nbsp;the&nbsp;analyst<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44947739/att-adds-324-thousand-postpaid-subscribers-in-q1-outpaces-verizons-289-thousand-loss" rel="noreferrer noopener"> consensus estimate of $0.49</a>.



SAP SE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAP#NYSE">SAP</a>) reported quarterly revenue of 9.01 billion euros ($9.48 billion), beating analyst estimates and earnings of 1.44 euros ($1.54) per share <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44938879/sap-shares-climb-on-better-than-expected-q1-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">also came in ahead of estimates</a>.



Verizon Communications (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) reported&nbsp;fiscal&nbsp;first-quarter revenue growth was 1.5% year-over-year, reaching $33.49 billion, topping the&nbsp;analyst consensus estimate of $33.24 billion. Adjusted EPS of $1.19 topped the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44920917/verizon-struggles-with-subscriber-losses-from-price-increases-competition-and-lower-government-support" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyst&nbsp;consensus estimate of $1.15</a>.



Smartphones &amp; Technology



The&nbsp;iPhone 17 series, the latest smartphone line-up from&nbsp;Apple, is reportedly facing significant stock shortages, and CEO&nbsp;Tim Cook&nbsp;is worried about it. The scarcity of Low CTE fiberglass cloth is reportedly causing a strain <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44917129/apple-ceo-tim-cook-gets-anxious-over-this-issue-threatening-the-inventory-of-iphone-17-he-is-pushing-suppliers-every-day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on the&nbsp;stock of the iPhone 17&nbsp;series.</a>



Elon Musk&nbsp;says that&nbsp;Neuralink, which specializes in creating Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), will help <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44892867/elon-musk-says-neuralink-will-help-blind-people-see-again-will-exceed-the-best-human-eyes" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘completely blind&#8217; people see again</a>.



Elon Musk&#8216;s BCI (Brain-Chip Interface) company&nbsp;Neuralink&nbsp;is reportedly eyeing an $8.5 billion pre-money valuation<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44972585/elon-musks-neuralink-eyes-8-5-billion-pre-money-valuation-in-latest-funding-round-report" rel="noreferrer noopener"> amid talks with potential investors</a>.



Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) introduced a newly redesigned version of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44973292/satya-nadella-calls-it-scaffolding-for-my-workday-introduces-microsoft-365-copilots-ai-glow-up-to-reshape-how-we-work" rel="noreferrer noopener">its Microsoft 365 Copilot app</a>.



Automotive



Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) has reportedly pivoted its marketing for the Cybertruck as CEO&nbsp;Elon Musk&#8216;s EV giant rebrands the vehicle <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44919745/cybertruck-gets-a-down-to-earth-redesign-as-tesla-shifts-to-traditional-pickup-marketing-amid-poor-sales" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to showcase its utilitarian quotient</a>.



Tesla plans to ramp up production of its&nbsp;humanoid robot&nbsp;Optimus&nbsp;are facing significant roadblocks due to supply chain constraints and China&#8217;s new export <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44941025/tesla-optimus-robot-hit-by-chinas-rare-earth-magnet-crackdown-elon-musk-says-thousands-may-be-ready-by-year-end-but-no-guarantees-when-you-have-a-complex-manufactured-product" rel="noreferrer noopener">restrictions on rare earth materials</a>.



Elon Musk&nbsp;shared a comprehensive list of updates on the company&#8217;s FSD (Full Self-Driving) technology, crucial <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44943387/elon-musk-shares-fsd-update-at-tesla-earnings-call-10-to-20-model-ys-will-offer-paid-robotaxi-rides-in-june" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for Tesla&#8217;s Cybercab ambitions</a>.



Tesla has revealed that the company is running its autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin, as well as<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44972108/tesla-quietly-launched-robotaxi-service-for-employees-before-june-debut-now-reports-1500-completed-trips" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the San Francisco Bay Area</a>.



Chinese battery manufacturer&nbsp;CATL&nbsp;(Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited) has launched the second-generation <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44894382/tesla-battery-supplier-catl-unveils-new-fast-charging-battery-with-323-mile-range-in-five-minutes" rel="noreferrer noopener">‘Shenxing&#8217; fast-charging battery</a>.



Nio Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NIO#NYSE">NIO</a>) has announced it will delay the launch of its Firefly EV in Europe to the third quarter after it claimed to launch <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44915240/tesla-rival-nio-delays-the-european-launch-of-firefly-ev-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">the product in the first half of 2025</a>.



General Motors Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) will continue to produce its Ultium architecture-based EVs like the Chevrolet Equinox at its production <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44916042/general-motors-has-no-plans-to-move-ev-production-away-from-mexico-despite-tariff-uncertainty" rel="noreferrer noopener">facility in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico</a>.



Geely Automobile Holdings&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GELYF#OTC">GELYF</a>) announced that the company will share its battery safety <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44945220/chinas-geely-announces-it-will-share-battery-safety-patents-safety-lab-with-the-auto-industry" rel="noreferrer noopener">patents at the Shanghai Auto Show</a>.



BYD Co., Ltd (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYDDY#OTC">BYDDY</a>) is pivoting its European strategy as the Chinese EV manufacturer looks <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44946809/byd-rejigs-european-strategy-amid-lack-of-market-knowledge-and-modest-dealer-network-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to expand into the market</a>.



Image: Shutterstock

Large Cap

Mid Cap

Tech

AAPL

BYDDY

CHKP

GELYF

GOOG

LRCX

MSFT

TMUS

TSLA

Consumer Tech News (Apr 21-Apr 25): Microsoft's Copilot Gets a Sleek New Look, Apple Under Fire For 'Influence-Peddling' In US-China Trade & More

Benzinga examined the prospects for <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.



U.S. markets rebounded this week as President Donald Trump softened his stance on trade and monetary policy. He indicated that tariffs on Chinese imports could decrease from the current 145% and affirmed his support for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, alleviating investor concerns about central bank independence.



The S&amp;P 500 regained nearly 80% of its post-April 2 losses, with notable gains in technology stocks. ServiceNow (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>) led with a 20% weekly increase, while Tesla (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NYSE">TSLA</a>) surged 9.9% after CEO Elon Musk announced a reduced focus on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).



Despite the rally, economic indicators signaled caution. U.S. private sector growth slowed to a 16-month low, and consumer sentiment declined sharply. Inflation expectations rose, with one-year forecasts reaching 6.5%, the highest since 1981, suggesting persistent economic uncertainty.



Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.



The Bulls



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44935008/netflix-stock-nears-all-time-high-whats-going-on">"Netflix stock nears all-time high: What's going on?"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) shares approached record highs following strong Q1 earnings—$10.54 billion in revenue and $6.61 EPS—driven by robust subscription and advertising growth, with analysts raising price targets up to $1,514 and highlighting the company's insulation from global tariffs due to its digital-only business model.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44963467/why-is-summit-therapeutics-stock-soaring-on-wednesday">"Why Is Summit Therapeutics Stock Soaring On Wednesday?"</a>, by Vandana Singh, reports that Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMMT#NASDAQ">SMMT</a>) shares surged after partner Akeso, Inc. announced that their Phase 3 HARMONi-6 trial met its primary endpoint, with ivonescimab plus chemotherapy showing a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival over BeiGene Ltd.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONC#NASDAQ">ONC</a>) tislelizumab combo in patients with advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44966369/novavaxs-covid-19-vaccine-nears-fda-full-approval-stock-jumps">"Novavax's COVID-19 Vaccine Nears FDA Full Approval, Stock Jumps"</a>, by Vandana Singh, reports that Novavax Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVAX#NASDAQ">NVAX</a>) shares rose after the company stated its Biologics License Application is approvable and awaits FDA response following a post-marketing data request.



For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44998075/celestica-beats-q1-estimates-raises-fy-outlook-on-strengthening-demand-shares-slide">Celestica Beats Q1 Estimates, Raises FY Outlook On ‘Strengthening Demand,' Shares Slide</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44927300/this-nvidia-backed-ai-upstart-boasts-extremely-rapid-revenue-growth-analyst-initiates-overweight">Nvidia-Backed AI Startup Boasts ‘Extremely Rapid Revenue Growth' &#8211; JPMorgan Initiates With Overweight</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/04/44995270/why-is-rocket-lab-stock-trading-higher-on-thursday">Why Is Rocket Lab Stock Trading Higher On Thursday?</a>



The Bears



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44996628/intel-q1-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-shares-tumble-on-weak-guidance-chipmaker-plans-swift-actions-to-drive-efficiency">"Intel Q1 earnings: Revenue beat, EPS beat, shares tumble on weak guidance, chipmaker plans ‘swift actions' to drive efficiency"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) shares fell after the company reported first-quarter revenue of $12.67 billion and adjusted earnings of 13 cents per share, both surpassing analyst expectations, but issued a disappointing second-quarter revenue forecast of $11.2–$12.4 billion, prompting CEO Lip-Bu Tan to announce organizational streamlining and cost-cutting measures to enhance efficiency.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44903087/amazon-stock-downgraded-price-target-slashed-as-tariffs-create-uncertainty">"Amazon stock downgraded, price target slashed as tariffs create uncertainty"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) shares fell after Raymond James analyst Josh Beck downgraded the stock from Strong Buy to Outperform and cut the price target from $275 to $195, citing underestimated EBIT pressures from tariffs and macroeconomic headwinds.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44966124/ibm-shares-slide-despite-better-than-expected-q1-details">"IBM Shares Slide Despite Better-Than-Expected Q1: Details"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) shares fell despite beating Q1 expectations with $1.60 EPS and $14.54 billion in revenue, as investors reacted to CEO Arvind Krishna's warning that economic uncertainty may cause clients to pause spending.



For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/04/44962797/enphase-energy-stock-is-tumbling-wednesday-why-investors-are-selling-shares">Enphase Energy Stock Is Tumbling Wednesday: Why Investors Are Selling Shares</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/reiteration/25/04/44965222/metas-fundamentals-look-fragile-heading-into-q1-report-analyst-warns">Meta's Fundamentals Look Fragile Heading Into Q1 Report, Analyst Warns</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44995935/t-mobile-shares-drop-despite-better-than-expected-q1-report-details">T-Mobile Shares Drop Despite Better-Than-Expected Q1 Report: Details</a>



Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on X</a>.



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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Netflix, Novavax, Intel — And The Market Begins To Bounce Back

Investor risk appetite rebounded over the week as the U.S. administration signaled a de-escalation in trade tensions with China. President Donald Trump also reassured markets that he has no intention of firing Federal <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44977395/trump-backs-off-firing-powell-after-walmart-target-ceos-warn-him-of-empty-store-shelves">Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.</a>



Reports suggested China is considering suspending its 125% tariff <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/04/45004954/china-reportedly-begins-exempting-key-us-imports-from-tariffs-including-pharma-and-aerospace-parts">on select U.S. imports</a>, following indications that Washington may cut tariffs on Chinese goods. Trump hinted that negotiations with Beijing are ongoing, even as Chinese authorities denied any such talks were taking place.



The sell-off that had weighed on U.S. Treasuries and the dollar the previous weeks came to a halt, as investors found reassurance in the central bank's independence.



The S&amp;P 500 has now recouped nearly 80% of the losses suffered since the post–April 2 "Liberation Day" downturn.



Yet, recent business and consumer surveys paint a less optimistic picture. U.S. private sector growth slowed in April to its weakest pace in 16 months, according to flash <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44952395/us-business-activity-growth-slows-in-april-as-services-suffer-tariff-shock-markets-rally-as-trade-war-cools">Purchasing Managers' Index data.</a> 



Business expectations for the year ahead have dropped to near-COVID-19 pandemic lows, while prices for goods and services rose at the fastest pace in over a year, particularly in manufacturing, where tariffs are playing a key role in driving costs higher.



Consumer sentiment also deteriorated sharply. The University of Michigan's gauge fell 8% this month, with expectations down 32% since January — the steepest three-month drop since the 1990 recession. One-year inflation expectations surged from 5% to 6.5%, the highest since 1981, while long-term inflation expectations rose from 4.1% to 4.4%.



Among individual stocks, ServiceNow Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NASDAQ">NOW</a>) led the S&amp;P 500 with a 20% weekly gain on strong earnings <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44986106/servicenows-1q-reflects-no-material-signs-of-strain-from-tariff-related-macro-uncertainties-analysts-raise-price-targets">and upbeat forward guidance</a>. In contrast, Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) fell 15% after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44965915/northrop-grummans-strategic-edge-lies-in-classified-space-and-electronic-warfare-programs-but-market-focused-on-short-term-issues-analyst">cutting its 2025 outlook.</a>



Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) posted its biggest weekly rally since early November 2024, despite underwhelming earnings. Investors cheered Elon Musk's pledge to reduce his involvement in Dogecoin and refocus <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44974342/elon-musks-wealth-skyrockets-by-billions-as-tesla-stock-rallies-after-billionaire-ceo-steps-back-from-doge">on leading the EV company.</a>



Looking ahead, macroeconomic data and earnings will dominate the headlines next week. 



Four members of the Magnificent Seven will report earnings next week, with Microsoft Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NYSE">MSFT</a>) and Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) set for Wednesday, followed by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) on Thursday.



Thursday brings the release of the advance estimate for first-quarter GDP and the Fed's preferred inflation gauge for March, followed on Friday by the closely watched April jobs report, offering fresh clues on how tariffs are affecting the labor market.



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/04/45020833/qqq-etf-faces-worst-week-of-outflows-since-november-as-investors-sell-the-tech-rally">QQQ ETF Faces Worst Week Of Outflows Since November As Investors Sell The Tech Rally</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Government

Macro Economic Events

Regulations

Econ #s

Economics

Federal Reserve

Wall Street Recovers, Dollar Steadies As Trump Tempers Trade Fight, Signals Support For Powell: This Week In Markets

Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates says he is glad that his daughter Phoebe Gates never asked him to back her business, noting that it could have complicated their relationship.



What Happened:&nbsp;In an interview <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/style/phoebe-gates-bill-gates-resale-phia.html">with</a> the New York Times, Bill Gates mentioned that while he would have supported Phoebe&#8217;s business, it would have involved certain conditions that might have complicated their relationship.



"I would have kept her on a short leash and be doing business reviews, which I would have found tricky, and I probably would have been overly nice, but wondered if it was the right thing to do. Luckily, it never happened," he said.



Phoebe launched Phia on April 24, a platform that provides&nbsp;price comparisons for clothing across&nbsp;40,000 sites, aiming to offer users the best deals.



Phoebe, who&nbsp;graduated from Stanford in 2024, shared on her podcast &#8220;The Burnouts&#8221; that her father was initially hesitant about her entrepreneurial ambitions.



Dropping out of college, unlike her father, was not an option for her. Despite feeling like a &#8220;nepo baby&#8221; during her freshman year, Phoebe has&nbsp;secured over half a million&nbsp;dollars in funding from venture capitalists and angel investors, as reported by The Times.



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/45012922/trump-meme-coin-surges-15-as-organizers-clarify-participation-rules-for-gala-dinner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRUMP Meme Coin Surges 15% As Organizers Clarify Participation Rules For Gala Dinner</a>



She acknowledged the advantages her family background provided but also emphasized the internal pressure she feels to succeed. Phoebe and her cofounder, Sofia Kianni, believe their business taps into a significant market, catering to young women seeking the best clothing deals online.



Why It Matters: The launch of&nbsp;Phia&nbsp;by Phoebe Gates comes at a time when her father,&nbsp;Bill Gates, has been vocal about the transformative potential of technology.



In a recent discussion, Gates predicted that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44857520/bill-gates-says-his-kids-and-grandkids-will-live-in-a-very-changed-world-as-ai-puts-an-end-to-shortage-of-teachers-and-doctors">artificial intelligence</a>&nbsp;will revolutionize industries, potentially altering the future landscape for his children and grandchildren. This context highlights the importance of Phoebe&#8217;s venture, as it aligns with the broader technological shifts her father envisions.



Moreover, the Gates family has been in the spotlight due to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/45002884/bill-gates-ex-wife-melinda-french-gates-brushes-off-criticism-from-elon-musk-and-bill-ackman-says-im-in-the-arena-doing-the-work-on-her-philanthropic-efforts">Melinda French Gates</a>&nbsp;addressing criticism from prominent figures like&nbsp;Elon Musk&nbsp;regarding her philanthropic work.



Bill Gates himself faced skepticism when he left academia to start&nbsp;Microsoft, as recounted by his former&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/04/44893684/bill-gates-harvard-professor-thought-what-a-waste-when-he-left-academia-but-that-small-company-he-founded-changed-the-world">Harvard professor</a>.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44979972/us-treasury-hits-record-15-billion-in-customs-and-excise-tax-haul-amid-trumps-trade-policies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Treasury Hits Record $15 Billion In Customs And Excise Tax Haul Amid Trump&#8217;s Trade Policies</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Photo Courtesy: Alexandros Michailidis On Shutterstock.com

Bill Gates Says 'Luckily' His Daughter Phoebe Gates Never Asked Him To Back Her Business

President&nbsp;Donald Trump&#8216;s trade war with China has led to a notable decrease in U.S. imports from the Asian nation. Early shipping data reveals a significant drop, as companies scrambled to stockpile goods before tariffs increased to 145%.



What Happened: According to <a href="https://fortune.com/article/trump-trade-war-ocean-shipping-cancellations-imports-china/">Fortune</a>, the weeks following the April 9 &#8220;Liberation Day&#8221; saw ocean-shipped orders from China fall sharply. Import volumes decreased by over 10% in the week of April 7 and nearly 30% in the week of April 14.



Although the Trump administration is considering reducing some tariffs, a proposed port fee could levy up to $1.5 million per visit for Chinese vessels at U.S. ports.



The Port of Long Beach, California, reported fewer ship arrivals, supporting Project44&#8217;s data.&nbsp;Gene Seroka, executive director of&nbsp;the Port of LA, anticipated a 35% drop in arrivals within two weeks.



See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.com/news/events/25/04/44971154/trump-fails-to-impress-americas-young-shows-poll-as-they-still-favor-biden-only-15-think-us-on-right-track" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Fails To Impress America&#8217;s Young, Shows Poll As They Still Favor Biden — Only 15% Think US On Right Track</a>



Logistics experts caution that ongoing disruptions may lead to supply chain issues and increased consumer costs.



Dean Croke from DAT highlighted inventory management challenges amid tariff uncertainties, while Peter Sand from Xeneta emphasized the strain on global supply chains.



Why It Matters: The trade war&#8217;s impact on imports is part of a broader economic strategy by President Trump.



On April 23, Trump announced a substantial reduction in tariffs on Chinese goods, though not eliminating them entirely. He emphasized that the final tariff rate would be significantly lower than the current 145%, but not zero.



This stance was reiterated on April 25, when Trump, aboard Air Force One, stated that tariffs would remain unless China made substantial concessions. He stressed the importance of &#8220;opening China&#8221; for American businesses, causing market fluctuations.



Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/45003278/flexport-ceo-joins-galloway-tariff-workarounds-and-fraud-will-force-trump-to-walk-back-on-trade-war-with-china">Flexport CEO Ryan Petersen</a> predicted that the U.S. might eventually &#8220;blink&#8221; in the trade standoff, as the market finds ways around tariffs. He noted differing perceptions of the conflict between the two countries, with Americans viewing it as a domestic issue and the Chinese seeing it as a foreign imposition.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/25/04/45026565/trump-signals-possible-support-for-millionaires-tax-amid-election-concerns-recalls-george-bushs-promise-he-said-r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Signals Possible Support For Millionaires Tax Amid Election Concerns, Recalls George Bush&#8217;s Promise: &#8216;He Said Read My Lips And&#8230; Lost An Election&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Politics

Global

Trump's Trade War Causes Sharp Decline In US Imports From China

On Friday, Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest made several significant trades. The most prominent among these involved the buying and selling of shares in Intellia Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTLA#NASDAQ">NTLA</a>), Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Veracyte Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VCYT#NASDAQ">VCYT</a>), Symbotic Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYM#NASDAQ">SYM</a>), Baidu Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>), and UiPath Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PATH#NYSE">PATH</a>).



The NTLA Trade: Ark Invest&#8217;s ARK Innovation ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKK#BATS">ARKK</a>) fund purchased 65,958 shares of Intellia Therapeutics. The shares were bought at a closing price of $8.31, making the total value of the trade approximately $548,136.78. This move comes amidst a 1.59% increase in NTLA&#8217;s stock price.



The META Trade: The ARK Autonomous Technology &amp; Robotics ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKK#BATS">ARKK</a>) fund sold 1,255 shares of Meta Platforms at a closing price of $547.27. The total value of this sale was approximately $686,324.85. This trade was executed as META&#8217;s stock price saw a 2.65% increase.



The VCYT Trade: Ark Invest&#8217;s ARKK fund sold 66,135 shares of Veracyte. The shares were sold at a closing price of $32.23, making the total value of the trade approximately $2,131,151.05. This sale was made as VCYT&#8217;s stock price experienced a slight increase of 0.28%.



The SYM Trade: ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKQ#BATS">ARKQ</a>) fund bought 8,140 shares of Symbotic at a closing price of $21.93. The total value of this purchase was approximately $178,410.20. This purchase was made despite SYM&#8217;s stock price seeing a decrease of 0.59%.



The BIDU Trade: The ARKQ fund also bought 925 shares of Baidu at a closing price of $90.74. The total value of this purchase was approximately $83,934.50. This trade was executed as BIDU&#8217;s stock price saw a 1.39% increase.



The PATH Trade: Ark&#8217;s ARKW fund sold 984 shares of UiPath at a closing price of $11.59. The total value of this sale was approximately $11,402.56. This sale was made as PATH&#8217;s stock price experienced a 2.39% increase.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/45001882/jim-cramer-stays-bullish-on-data-centers-says-if-trump-tariffs-eases-these-ai-stocks-will-fly-ag">Jim Cramer Stays Bullish On Data Centers, Says If Trump Tariffs Eases, These AI Stocks &#8216;Will Fly Again&#8217; Despite Wall Street Doubts</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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Cathie Wood's Ark Invest Loads Up On Intellia Therapeutics, Offloads Meta Platforms

Hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/07/40038840/bill-ackman-lost-400m-on-netflix-shares-in-2022-how-much-would-the-billionaire-investor-have-if-he-d">decision to sell his</a> Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) shares during a rough patch in 2022 has become one of the most high-profile missed opportunities today.



What Happened: In January 2022, Ackman revealed that his hedge fund, Pershing Square Capital Management, had purchased more than $1 billion worth of Netflix stock—about 3.1 million shares—when it was trading around $400.



The move came after Netflix stock had fallen more than 65% amid concerns over slowing growth and a tech-sector sell-off. However, the bet soured quickly.



By April, Netflix's stock plummeted further following a disappointing earnings report and investor uncertainty surrounding its ad-based subscription plans.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/04/44995039/netflix-ceo-says-streaming-company-saved-hollywood-as-stock-hits-new-all-time-highs">Netflix CEO Says Streaming Company &#8216;Saved Hollywood&#8217; As Stock Hits New All-Time Highs</a>



Ackman exited the position just three months later, when shares were trading near $225, taking a loss of approximately 40%. In total, Pershing Square's short-lived Netflix investment cost the firm an estimated $400 million.



At the time, the sale seemed prudent. Netflix's stock continued to slide, bottoming out near $175 in the following months. But in a surprising turn, both the broader tech sector and Netflix rebounded sharply. As of today, Netflix shares are trading around $1,096.87—a stunning recovery of over 168.085% from Ackman's highest estimated buy-in.



Had Ackman held onto the position, those 3.1 million shares would now be worth nearly $3.4 billion, turning a brief misstep into one of his most lucrative trades ever.



Why It's Important: Last week, Netflix Co-CEO Greg Peters reassured investors that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44881044/netflix-downplays-recession-fears-amid-market-volatility-triggered-by-trump-tariffs-co-ceo-greg-peters-raves-about-resilient-799-ad-plan-we-havent-seen-any-significant-changes">the company remains confident</a>, even amid market turbulence and growing recession fears driven by new tariffs.



He went on to say that entertainment has traditionally remained strong during economic downturns, and Netflix continues to see that pattern hold.



Co-CEO Ted Sarandos added that the company is staying focused on factors within its control, stating, "We're not changing anything in the forecast."



For the first quarter, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/04/44877995/netflix-crushes-q1-says-its-working-hard-to-improve-and-expand-its-offering">Netflix reported revenue of $10.54 billion</a>—a 12.5% year-over-year increase—slightly beating Wall Street's estimate of $10.52 billion.



Global markets have seen heightened volatility in response to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/04/44657800/trumps-tariffs-stir-global-markets-wall-street-loses-2-trillion-and-more-this-week-in-economics">new trade tariffs introduced</a> by President Donald Trump. The S&amp;P 500 is down by 6.54% year-to-date while the Nasdaq-100 has slipped 8.40% during the same period.



Price Action: Netflix shares are up 23.70% year-to-date and have soared 94.21% over the past 12 months, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0417">Benzinga Pro</a>.



The streaming giant holds a growth score of 69.79% and a momentum rating of 95.93, based on Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Click here to see how it compares to other</a> leading entertainment and tech companies.



Netflix currently has a consensus price target of $1,082.97 from 32 analysts, with the highest target of $1,514 issued by Rosenblatt on April 21. Recent ratings from Evercore ISI Group, Macquarie, and Wedbush point to an average target of $1,183.33, suggesting an 8.17% potential upside.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NFLX/analyst-ratings"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/25053540/Screenshot-2025-04-25-at-3.05.31%E2%80%AFPM-1024x368.png" alt="" class="wp-image-888372" style="width:920px;height:auto"/></a></figure>



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44806071/netflix-eyes-1-trillion-market-cap-by-2030-aims-to-double-revenue-and-dominate-global-streaming-report">Netflix Eyes $1 Trillion Market Cap By 2030, Aims To Double Revenue And Dominate Global Streaming: Report</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Entertainment

Bill Ackman Missed Out On $3.4 Billion Payday By Selling Netflix Stock Before The Boom: NFLX Now Seen As A Recession Play

In an interview published Friday, President Donald Trump expressed openness to a tax increase on millionaires, despite previous opposition. He noted that his main concern is the potential impact on his electoral prospects.



What Happened: In an interview <a href="https://time.com/7280106/trump-interview-100-days-2025/">with</a> Time magazine, Trump referenced former President George H.W. Bush, who lost re-election after breaking a no-tax promise, as a cautionary tale.



Trump stated, "I saw Bush where they said, where he said ‘Read my lips' and he lost an election."



Meanwhile, Trump&#8217;s advisors are reportedly debating whether to back a tax hike on those earning over $1 million annually, part of the GOP&#8217;s 2025 tax plan. Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) have expressed concerns about millionaires leaving the country if taxes rise.



See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/news/events/25/04/44971154/trump-fails-to-impress-americas-young-shows-poll-as-they-still-favor-biden-only-15-think-us-on-right-track">Trump Fails To Impress America&#8217;s Young, Shows Poll As They Still Favor Biden — Only 15% Think US On Right Track</a>



Despite these concerns, Trump said he&#8217;d be &#8220;honored&#8221; to pay more taxes, provided it doesn&#8217;t jeopardize his election chances.



He emphasized the importance of supporting the middle class, saying, "I'd be raising [taxes] on wealthy to take care of middle class."



Opposition from Trump&#8217;s allies, including Newt Gingrich, Steve Moore, and Larry Kudlow, highlights the internal GOP debate on the issue. They argue the plan contradicts Trump&#8217;s tax-cut promises.



Why It Matters: The potential shift in Trump&#8217;s tax stance is significant given his previous economic policies. Recently, Trump proposed replacing federal income taxes with revenue from tariffs, a move criticized by economists for its feasibility.



In an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44944580/trump-says-tariffs-could-replace-income-tax-experts-warn-the-math-doesnt-work">interview</a> on April 15, he suggested tariffs could generate enough revenue to eliminate personal income taxes.



This idea has led to market volatility, with investors uncertain about the implications of such tariffs. Finance expert Ramit Sethi cautioned against making hasty decisions based on these announcements, emphasizing the potential financial risks involved.



The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44852424/you-could-literally-cost-yourself-millions-finance-expert-warns-against-panic-decision-on-trump-tariffs">advice</a> comes amid rising interest in foreign trade zones (FTZs) as companies seek to mitigate tariff impacts. U.S. firms have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/04/44918012/trump-tariffs-drive-companies-to-stash-imports-in-tax-free-foreign-trade-zones">increasingly turned</a> to FTZs to defer or reduce duty payments.



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/news/25/04/44972159/trump-tower-becomes-flashpoint-for-earth-day-protest-as-activist-defaces-seal-slams-kamala-harris-fracked-ga">Trump Tower Becomes Flashpoint For Earth Day Protest As Activist Defaces Seal, Slams Kamala Harris&#8217; &#8216;Fracked Gas&#8217; Climate Stance</a></li>
</ul>



Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Photo courtesy: Jonah Elkowitz

Trump Signals Possible Support For Millionaires Tax Amid Election Concerns, Recalls George Bush's Promise: 'He Said Read My Lips And… Lost An Election'

Cryptocurrency markets are trading higher as whales continue an accumulation spree to fuel bullish momentum.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>Gains +/-</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td><td>$95,277.12</td><td>+2%</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td><td>$1,799.22</td><td>+2.2%</td></tr><tr><td>Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</td><td>$151.53</td><td>-0.2%</td></tr><tr><td>XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</td><td>$2.19</td><td>-0.4%</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td><td>$0.1815</td><td>+0.6%</td></tr><tr><td>Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td><td>$0.00001387</td><td>+2.7%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Notable Statistics:



<ul>
<li>IntoTheBlock data shows large transaction volume decreasing by 22.1% and daily active addresses growing by 7.8%. Transactions greater than $100,000 are down from 11,905 to 10,849 in a single day. Exchanges netflows are down by 5,813.9%.</li>



<li>Coinglass data reports 131,279 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $291.56 million.</li>



<li>Crypto chart analyst Ali Martinez <a href="https://x.com/ali_charts/status/1915542519724511667">noted</a> that Bitcoin miners have earned more than $18.57 million in profits as prices raced ahead above $93,000.</li>
</ul>



Notable Developments:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/45007049/bitcoin-etfs-see-442m-daily-inflow-as-btc-hovers-around-94000">Bitcoin ETFs See $442M Daily Inflow As BTC Hovers Around $94,000</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/45008113/bitcoin-fundamentally-decoupled-from-us-tech-stocks-blackrocks-jay-jacobs-says">Bitcoin Fundamentally Decoupled From US Tech Stocks, BlackRock&#8217;s Jay Jacobs Says</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/45014801/heres-why-bitcoin-has-decoupled-from-stocks-according-to-standard-chartered">Here&#8217;s Why Bitcoin Has Decoupled From Stocks According To Standard Chartered</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/45001061/shaq-agrees-to-amicable-proposed-resolution-with-ftx-investors-terms-to-remain-confidential">Shaq Agrees To &#8216;Amicable Proposed Resolution&#8217; With FTX Investors, Terms To Remain Confidential</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/45012922/trump-meme-coin-surges-15-as-organizers-clarify-participation-rules-for-gala-dinner">TRUMP Meme Coin Surges 15% As Organizers Clarify Participation Rules For Gala Dinner</a></li>
</ul>



Top Gainers:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="overflow:auto; height: 90px; display: block;"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>Gains +/-</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin SV (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">BSV</a>)</td><td>&nbsp;$45.31</td><td>+47.7%</td></tr><tr><td>Virtuals Protocol (CRYPTO: VIRTUAL)</td><td>&nbsp;$0.9258</td><td>+24.8%</td></tr><tr><td>Dogwifhat (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">WIF</a>)</td><td>&nbsp;$0.6327</td><td>+16.3%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Trader Notes: Crypto chart trader Jelle observed that Bitcoin surged straight into the $90,000–$94,000 range with no real pause. 



If BTC manages to hold this zone through the end of the day, he expects weekend volatility, but believes the uptrend could carry into next week, citing strong bullish momentum.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> just chadded straight to the $90-94k area without stopping &#x1f440; Hold it above there until end of business today, let the weekend be choppy and we can resume pushing higher next week. Good stuff, happy weekend! <a href="https://t.co/EpYnVe81CT">https://t.co/EpYnVe81CT</a> <a href="https://t.co/6eSZnQjlBI">pic.twitter.com/6eSZnQjlBI</a>&mdash; Jelle (@CryptoJelleNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoJelleNL/status/1915780726542229602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2025</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Trader Degen Hardy is <a href="https://x.com/Degen_Hardy/status/1915770342267846735">watching</a> the $86,000–$88,000 zone as a possible long entry, noting it likely aligns with previous structural support or a key moving average. 



He warns that a weekend dip to shake out weak hands is possible given thinner liquidity. 



That said, if bulls maintain control, Bitcoin might either front-run the dip or simply continue grinding higher.



Elsewhere, Titan of Crypto <a href="https://x.com/Washigorira/status/1915793345852457242">noted</a> that Bitcoin has hit the $95,000 target and now eyes $99,000 as the next key resistance. 



However, he emphasizes the importance of holding above the prior monthly high, which BTC has just tapped, to confirm continued strength.



Read Next:&nbsp;



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/04/45017648/bitcoin-climbs-12-on-the-week-as-traders-eye-run-to-100000">Bitcoin Climbs 12% On The Week As Traders Eye Run To $100,000</a></li>
</ul>

Cryptocurrency

$BSV

$BTC

$DOGE

$ETH

$SHIB

$SOL

$WIF

$XRP

Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Surging, But 'Choppy' Weekend Could Precede The Next Push

If you had $100,000 sitting in your account, what would you do with it? Buy a house? Dump it into stocks? Pay off your student loans and go on a Target spree with what's left?



In a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/2010/11/03/billionare-mark-cuban-entrepreneur-dallas-mavericks-secrets-self-made-10.html">2010 Forbes interview</a>, billionaire Mark Cuban—longtime "Shark Tank" star and the guy now trying to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44839817/billionaire-mark-cuban-says-pharma-is-the-easiest-business-ive-ever-disrupted-in-a-500-billion-industry-1-is-a-whole-lot-of-money">shake up Big Pharma</a>—offered his take. And spoiler: it's not what the TikTok finance gurus are preaching.



Instead of pouring it into the market or investing in a startup, Cuban said this:



"First I <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42248381/mark-cuban-insists-credit-cards-are-not-your-friend-and-proposes-taking-out-a-personal-loan-for-expenses-instead-is-this-a-smart-move">pay off all my credit card debt</a> and evaluate paying off any other debt I have. What I have left I put in the bank."



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.</li>
</ul>



That's right. The man who made billions selling Broadcast.com to Yahoo in the 1990s says step one is killing your debt. Step two? Parking your leftover cash in the bank—not because it'll grow, but because it'll wait.



His strategy is equal parts frugal and sharp. He adds, "Then I try to create as much transactional value as possible from that cash."



He looks at his entire budget and finds savings in boring but necessary stuff—like "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44065932/mark-cuban-was-asked-how-hed-invest-100k-his-answer-buy-bulk-toothpaste-and-soup-for-the-best-guaranteed-return-on-investment">toothpaste to soup</a>." Buying in bulk, he argues, gives you the best guaranteed ROI anywhere, sometimes saving you 30% to 50% on everyday items. That's your safest return, Cuban says. Better than trying to time the market.



Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>



Cuban says, "Every five years or so there is a bubble bursting or amazing deals available because of a change in the economy." That might sound dramatic, but the pattern isn't entirely off. Look at the timeline:



<ul>
<li>2025: Commercial real estate's under pressure, VC funding has slowed, and inflation is still hanging around.</li>



<li>2020: COVID-19 hits. Stocks tank. Unemployment soars. Stimulus money floods the system.</li>



<li>2015: Oil prices plunge, China's stock market crashes, and U.S. markets stumble in a major late-summer selloff.</li>



<li>2010: The housing market's still reeling from the 2008 crash. Banks are shaky. Foreclosures peak.</li>



<li>2005: U.S. housing bubble in full swing—just two years before the subprime mortgage crisis begins to unwind.</li>



<li>2000: The dot-com bubble bursts. NASDAQ loses nearly 80% of its value in two years.</li>



<li>1995: Tech stocks start to soar, fueled by early internet hype. Just five years later—boom.</li>
</ul>



His advice might not be about nailing the exact timing—it's more about being ready when the shift happens.



Cuban continued, "Anyone who just kept their cash in the bank rather than in stocks over the past five to 10 years could be buying the home of their dreams for half price in most of the country."



See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.60 per share now</a>.



At the time, that wasn't an exaggeration. Following the housing crash, home prices had dropped dramatically, and interest rates—while not rock-bottom yet—were already sliding. His point wasn't about chasing returns in a savings account. It was about having dry powder when the rest of the market was drowning.



"They earned good money in half the past 10 years on the cash… and even though they aren't making much now, they have the transactional value available to them. Plus they have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43885487/billionaire-mark-cuban-said-the-first-step-to-getting-rich-is-giving-things-up-drink-water-eat-mac-and-cheese-and-save-every-penny">cash to invest if the market craters </a>and, most importantly, they sleep great at night."



And then comes the mic drop line: "Cash is king—and works far better than Ambien when you want a good night's sleep every night."



So is Cuban right? Depends who you ask. But if history really does crack every five years, and you're debt-free with cash on standby, you might be the one scooping up deals while everyone else is scrambling. And that sounds pretty Shark-like.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mark-cubans-advice-for-lotto-winners">Many are surprised by Mark Cuban's advice for lotto winners: Cash or annuity?</a></li>



<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

Mark Cuban Was Asked What He'd Do With $100K: 'Put It In the Bank' Because Every 5 Years, A Bubble Bursts Or Game-Changing Deals Appear

When markets become moody, alternating between panic and euphoria, dividend stocks tend to offer a rare type of peace: predictability. For decades, they&#8217;ve provided a mix of income and stability that even the most flashy growth stocks can&#8217;t. And in that dividend-rich jungle, the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHD#NYSE">SCHD</a>) is an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">ETF kingpin</a>.



Let's talk receipts. Since its launch in 2011, SCHD has delivered total returns of 203%. That's not just "good-for-an-ETF" good—that's "maybe-I-should-rethink-my-investment-strategy" good. Along the way, it has consistently raised its dividend, even as markets fluctuated through pandemics, inflation tantrums and meme-stock mania.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44843179/the-dividend-etf-that-just-woke-up-and-why-investors-are-watching-closely">The Dividend ETF That Just Woke Up And Why Investors Are Watching Closely</a>



What's the secret sauce? SCHD holds a curated lineup of 100 high-quality, dividend-paying U.S. stocks. We're talking Coca-Cola (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>), Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) and Altria (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>)—dividend legends, not one-hit wonders.



SCHD&#8217;s SEC 30-day yield is at 4.01%. That&#8217;s high. 



For perspective, as of 2015, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SCHD/dividends">SCHD&#8217;s typical yield has stuck around 3%</a>, and before 2022, it rarely broke through that. Yet here we sit, with a yield comparable to high-yield savings accounts—albeit many times more intriguing in the near future. Why? Because HYSAs don&#8217;t have to contend with compounding. SCHD&#8217;s does.



The Catch



Well, like everything in life (and finance), there is a trade-off. SCHD&#8217;s price has been hit in 2025, down close to 6% year-to-date and 9.5% in the last six months. Its increasing yield is partly due to declining prices. But long-term investors look at that as a signal to buy. Particularly those in pursuit of not only current yield but yield on cost (return/yield based on original cost and not current market price).



Projecting forward, SCHD could offer a yield on cost of over 14% in 10 years, assuming its current growth pace holds. The math makes a compelling case for SCHD as a long-term income generator.



Low Fees, High Value



At a mere 0.06% expense ratio, SCHD isn&#8217;t only generous with dividends, it&#8217;s also notoriously cheap on fees. That leaves more cash where it belongs: in your wallet.



3 Other Dividend ETFs Worth Watching



If SCHD is the class valedictorian of dividend ETFs, here are two other top-of-the-class performers that deserve honorary degrees:



Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VYM#NYSE">VYM</a>)



VYM targets U.S. businesses with higher-than-average dividend payouts and owns 589 holdings, so it&#8217;s more diversified than SCHD. Its current 30-day SEC yield is approximately 2.67%, and it has a bargain-basement expense ratio of only 0.06%. 



iShares Select Dividend ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVY#NASDAQ">DVY</a>)



DVY goes the old-fashioned route, with a preference for utilities and industrials—your grandfather&#8217;s portfolio, but without the &#8220;old&#8221; part. It yields more than 3.7% and invests in stocks with a solid five-year history of paying dividends. With more than 100 holdings, it&#8217;s slightly more focused than VYM but offers a different sector bias that can complement a dividend portfolio. Expense ratio is 0.38%.



Bottom Line



While SCHD remains a standout stock for dividend growth, including VYM and DVY can add valuable diversity to your income strategy. Each provides something distinct in the way of dividend exposure—either more yield, defensive sector exposure, or longer-term consistency.



So if your portfolio needs a little less drama and a little more cash, consider making these dividend ETFs a permanent fixture at the table. Slow and steady wins the race—particularly when it pays you every quarter.



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/04/44979728/intel-cuts-staff-etfs-brace-for-blow-q1-earnings">Intel Slashes Staff Ahead Of Q1 Earnings, ETFs Brace For Impact</a></li>
</ul>



Photo: Shutterstock

Specialty ETFs

SCHD

SCHD Is Down, But Its Dividend Is Up And These 2 ETFs Are Quietly Catching Up

Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) is implementing a strategic pivot in response to China&#8217;s halt of aircraft deliveries amid escalating tariff tensions, according to statements made during the company&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44948499/boeing-stock-jumps-after-q1-2025-results-production-expansion-plans-for-737-and-787">first quarter of 2025 earnings call</a>.



What Happened: CEO Kelly Ortberg confirmed that Chinese customers have indicated they will not take delivery of Boeing aircraft following China&#8217;s implementation of 125% retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-made goods, a response to President Donald Trump&#8216;s 145% tariffs on Chinese imports.



&#8220;Due to the tariffs, many of our customers in China have indicated they will not take delivery,&#8221; Ortberg said during the earnings call. &#8220;We&#8217;re not going to continue to build aircraft for customers who will not take them.&#8221;



Boeing has approximately 50 China deliveries planned for the remainder of 2025, including 41 aircraft already built or in production. The company is actively assessing options to remarket these planes to other customers, with Ortberg noting strong demand elsewhere.



&#8220;There&#8217;s plenty of customers out there looking for the Max aircraft,&#8221; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44960098/boeing-ceo-says-china-stopped-taking-airplane-deliveries-as-trade-war-rages">Ortberg told CNBC</a>. &#8220;I&#8217;m not going to let this derail the recovery of our company.&#8221;



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44937440/tesla-q1-misses-estimates-as-tariff-pressures-weigh-on-outlook-lower-cost-evs-still-on-track">Tesla Q1 Misses Estimates As Tariff Pressures Weigh On Outlook, Lower-Cost EVs Still On Track</a>



Why It Matters: Despite these challenges, Boeing reported better-than-expected first-quarter results with revenue increasing 18% year-over-year to $19.5 billion. The company delivered 130 aircraft in the quarter, exceeding internal projections, and reported a core operating margin recovery to 1% from -2.3% a year ago.



The company expects to largely offset any potential cash flow impact from the China situation, maintaining its cash usage projection of $4-5 billion for the year.



&#8220;We had a really good start to the year operationally, which we believe puts us in a position to largely offset any potential cash flow impact of China deliveries,&#8221; said CFO Brian West.



Price Action: Boeing Co. closed at $172.37 on Thursday, up 6.06%. After hours, it slipped slightly to $172.36. Year to date, the stock is up 0.29%.



Boeing shows weak growth and valuation metrics, according to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings. While the stock has positive momentum, BA continues to exhibit a negative price trend in the short to long term. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Sign up to learn more.</a>



Read Next: 



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44889632/warren-buffetts-son-cashed-in-90k-instead-of-waiting-on-500-million-now-hes-using-buffett-bucks-to-build-his-own-dream-town-in-new-york">Warren Buffett&#8217;s Son Cashed In $90K Instead of Waiting on $500 Million — Now He&#8217;s Using &#8216;Buffett Bucks&#8217; to Build His Own Dream Town in New York</a></li>
</ul>



Photo Courtesy: Andreas Zeitler On Shutterstock.com



Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Boeing Adjusts Strategy Amid Trump Tariff Fallout, CEO Kelly Ortberg Says Won't 'Build Aircraft For Customers Who Will Not Take Them' As China Halts Deliveries

Retirement. It's one of those things everyone knows they should be planning for. But it's also one of those things that's easy to push off—until suddenly you're staring down 70 and wondering where the time and the money went.



That's exactly where one caller found himself in when he phoned into "The Ramsey Show" and laid it all out. In a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/daveramsey/videos/889543906069188/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v">video posted to Facebook</a>, 65-year-old Rick wanted to know if he could retire comfortably at 72. But the math wasn't exactly on his side.



"I'm 65 years old, and I'm wondering if I'll be okay to retire in seven years," Rick said, kicking off a conversation that quickly turned into a financial intervention.



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<li>Have $100k in assets? Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset">Schedule your free call with a financial advisor to start your financial journey – no cost, no obligation</a>. </li>
</ul>



He told Dave Ramsey he had $110,000 in his 401(k) and just $5,000 in his emergency fund. On the debt side, things were heavier: he still owed $136,000 on his house, $30,000 on his truck, and—surprise—$22,000 on solar panels he thought he bought "outright." Ramsey corrected that last part, noting it was actually a solar loan. And to make things tighter, Rick was still paying $10,000 a year in alimony, though that would be ending soon.



His income? A solid $100,000 a year.



"You don't have any money," Ramsey told him. "You're $500,000 or $600,000 behind—I would get more radical."



That radical plan started with one major priority: wiping out the $52,000 in consumer debt—fast.



"What I would do if I were in your shoes is I would get those two debts paid off immediately," Ramsey said. "It's an emergency."



Ramsey told him to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42726864/dave-ramsey-thinks-social-security-is-a-mathematical-disaster-but-still-says-it-makes-more-sense-to-take-it-at-62-almost-every-time">stop contributing to his 401(k) temporarily</a> and focus completely on paying off the truck and solar loan within 12 months. And yes, that meant extreme budgeting. "Beans and rice, rice and beans," Ramsey said. "You have no life until you get that done."



He even suggested Rick <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44752907/dave-ramsey-says-if-you-want-to-know-what-driving-a-new-car-really-costs-open-your-car-window-once-a-week-and-toss-out-a-100-bill">ditch the truck altogether</a> if necessary. "That is job one, or sell the stupid truck—one of the two." Rick pushed back, saying it was his only vehicle and selling it wasn't an option. But Ramsey wasn't having it. He told him, "You don't need a $30,000 truck." That's when Rick clarified, "Actually, it's a $60,000 truck—I only owe $30,000." Ramsey didn't flinch. He said if that's the case, Rick could sell it and get a $30,000 truck—or even a $10,000 one instead.



Once debt-free, Ramsey laid out the next phase: keep living frugally, get the house paid off in three years, and then start investing again. He recommended contributing 15% of income into retirement accounts and "loading up good mutual funds."



By 72, if Rick followed the plan, Ramsey estimated he'd have $400,000 to $500,000 saved—and a paid-off home. Not exactly yacht money, but a far cry from where he was headed if he did nothing.



Moral of the story? Procrastination is expensive. But with seven years, a six-figure income, and some serious belt-tightening, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset">retirement isn't off the table</a>. Just don't wait until 65 to start thinking about it, unless you want to live on "beans and rice" as Ramsey would suggest.&nbsp;



Read Next:



<ul>
<li>If you invested $100 in DOGE when Elon Musk first tweeted about it in 2019, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/etoro-doge">here&#8217;s how much you&#8217;d have today</a>.</li>



<li>It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $250 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%</a></li>
</ul>



Image: Shutterstock

65-Year-Old With $110K Saved Asks If He Can Retire in 7 Years — Dave Ramsey Says 'You Have No Money' and Tells Him to Stop 401(k) Contributions

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